Neighborhood Expressions (NE) is a Public-Space Activation Fund micro-grant available for independent freelance artists who reside within the municipal boundaries of the City of Los Angeles and who intend to carry out free, collaborative, independent, micro-projects that activate new partnerships with a local non-arts venue as the project host. Small collectives are permitted to apply under this category however there must be an event-lead and it should be noted that the amount granted will be regardless of the size of the collective. The artist/project lead must submit a portfolio or resume with their application that supports their ability to execute the proposed project.
NE projects must be free and open to the public, engaging community members at a non-traditional arts venue such as a neighborhood coffee shop, retailer, health clinic, community center, market, or local business. Traditional arts sites such as galleries, theaters, creative event spaces, and cineplexes are not permitted. Projects in this category may take place indoors, though open-air activities are highly encouraged.
Activities must be free and modestly marketed to local community members and visitors to the host venue. The minimum expected audience is at least 50 people. Eligible presentations should be either a live performance (dance, music, theater, spoken word, poetry, etc.), or a temporary visual display/exhibition. Host businesses should be within 5 miles of the artist-applicants’ place of residence within the City of LA. Grant amounts are determined by the council district where the project is located:
- $1,200 – Activities within Arts-Underserved council districts 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12.
- $900 – Activities within Arts-Moderately Served council districts 1, 2, 4, 10, 15.
- $600 – Activities within Arts-Generously Served council districts 5, 13, 14.
*Any artist who is facing eviction or displacement for financial reasons may request two grants (from the amounts designated above) for two months of work in order to help them remain as a neighborhood asset. This can be discussed further with Grants team.
Click here (https://tinyurl.com/PAFcouncildistricts) for an interactive map of LA City Council Districts.
- Read PAF website for guidelines, eligibility, and funding uses, and select the project category that best aligns with your project.
- View the DCA Council District Map (Link) to identify where your project is located. You should have a strong personal connection to the location (live or work). Funding priority will be given to projects where there are no arts and cultural sites within a 0.5 – 1 mi radius near the proposed site.
- Email our Grants Coordinator (sarena.khasawneh@lacity.org) to set up a telephone appointment and begin the application coaching process. Be prepared to answer the following questions:
- Could you demonstrate support from a partnering venue operator/business? A written letter of support will eventually be needed to submit the application.
- Could you tell us how your project demonstrates collaborative thinking and planning, and presents a relevant theme to stimulate community engagement?
- Could you share the desired outcome of your event in terms of: neighborhood character, cultural expression, community pride, and/or future possibilities?
- Are you proposing a concept or project which can attract an audience or attendees and passersby of at least 40+ people?
- Make an account on Jotform and explore the application components. Draft and submit your proposal (Application Link Provided Upon Opening). Proposals are considered on a rolling basis, and should be submitted by the first Thursday of every month for consideration for that month’s funding cycle. Applicants should apply 3-5 months out from their event.
- Wait for review.
- During review of projects, eligibility and competitiveness are determined by panelists from DCA’s Senior Staff and community experts. Proposals will be scored based on four criteria valued at five points each (total of 20 points):
- Community relevant topics or themes and proposed impact in terms of number and type of persons served – 5 pts
- Projects ideas and/or innovation – 5 pts
- Feasible timeline and realistic budget – 5pts
- Community partnerships and/or alliances demonstrated with letters of support – 5 pts
- If your proposal is deemed ineligible or incomplete in first-level review, you will be given constructive feedback and offered an opportunity to reapply for a modified project. Projects which are deemed uncompetitive will also be given brief feedback as to the reasons that the project is not compatible with this program.
- Approximately 15 days after General Manager approval, applicants may begin PAF contracting through our DCA-appointed local business incubator agency, Community Partners, that will outline their “umbrella” services to: a) collect data, receipts, invoices, and reports, b) provide financial oversight and bookkeeping, c) guarantee event insurance, and d) act as an enterprise adviser if the applicant is proposing an endeavor intended to become the mission of a sustainable business entity. This process will be initiated by DCA staff upon GM approval.